2 more weeks!

Only two more weeks and then I'm done! Ah, the sweet summer holiday is calling my name. I’m just hoping it will go by smoothly, since I’ve had a little rumble with my daily supervisor… But hey, I can’t help if she doesn’t keep her end of the bargain. And there’s no way I’m going back into the lab all on my own. That was not part of the deal. It sort of makes me wonder if she ever had the intension of helping me… Like her plan was to let me do it on my own all along. The way she ambushed me in the middle of my course, while all I wanted to do was focus on the 2 research proposal, presentations, article review and exam (little rant here)! But whatever, I’m just going to focus on my final presentation (nervous already!) on Thursday. And of course I’m treating my lab supervisor and fellow students on some cake! Especially my lab supervisor deserves a super huge thank you cake, he’s been such a great help and support. Sometimes I feel he was more of a support than my actual supervisors. He really deserves a little more appreciations for all the work he’s doing. And what says appreciations more than a cake! :D  Please don't say two cakes, I can't afford it.
Also, I finally got an email back from the administration about my application for two courses (after 3 weeks, yay)! I'm registered for at least one, the other I will hear in July. So fingers crossed! And and and! I got an invitation for a thesis place! The first one that emailed back after 4 weeks and emailing 3 different people... So all in all I can’t complain. But hey, us Dutchies are known for our bitching and ranting ability. We always have to whine and complain before getting to the good and happy stuff. We call it "zeuren". But I'm sure you know that by now :P Or is that just a thing all females do in general?

With love and a happy weekend to you all!

p.s. Before I forget: Happy Fathers Day! What did you get your dad? I bought him a DVD of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Happy as a child! :)

Almost there

In Dutch we have a sort of expression that says “de laatste loodjes zijn het zwaarst”, which I think translates to something of “the last steps are the hardest” (but you can correct me on that one). And now I really know (and feel) the meaning of those words. Every time when I think I’m done with my research report I start doubting and questioning the statistics, and wonder whether my conclusions aren’t completely preposterous. So I change them again, have an endless discussion with my supervisor (or my dad), and change it back again. And then it starts all over again. Its driving me nuts! So right now I think I may be done, but it might change in a couple of minutes. Fortunately, I have the course to take my mind of the report a bit. I’m actually quite enjoying the courses, since I’m hanging out with two friends I haven’t seen in a while, and another girl who is just a ball of energy. She’s actually studying to be a vet, so she brings a nice new view to the projects we’re working on. Only downside is that we have to create two research proposals and make an exam, in only two weeks. Which we sometimes tend to forget a little with conversation, pointless jokes and incredible sunshine outside. The weather is just awesome! Too bad for the awful timing. But on the bright side its only 5 more weeks until I’m flying off to Lisbon! I’m just trying to focus on the holiday, so my mind won’t get stuck on the dreadful task that still lies ahead: the final presentation.. Ugh, and I’m still not registered for those course! When I called the administration, I had the most confusing conversation with the person at the other end, who was apparently abroad. As it turned out, this “person” was the not only the coordinator of the course, but also the master. Oops. So now I have to write a motivation and send in my course list to apply. Something I’ve never had to do before to apply for a course. Something tells me this is not going to end well…

p.s. If you haven’t seen the Great Gatsby you have to go and see it! I command you! Really, it’s awesome, you don’t know what you’re missing. If only it had a happy ending. I would have loved to see them fade out into a sunset or something and leave the evil guy all alone and ruined. I’m just a sucker for happy endings ;) Watch the trailer here!

End in sight

I’m totally stressing this weekend. I’ve had a meeting with my supervisor and we’ve set the date for me to hand in my final internship report: June 16^th. Which is a lot sooner than I anticipated. I know this may seem far away, but I also have a two week course coming up, so technically I’ve got only one week left. Oopsy! And I also have to do a presentation during the weekly group meeting (which I was trying to wiggle myself out off, damn it). This and the test day on Friday, and the horseback riding later that same evening, left me totally exhausted for the weekend. Only upside is that Friday was our final test day of the project. So no more blood samples, saliva samples and running back and forth. Of course this final test day didn’t go by without a switch of the files, minor mental breakdown of a participant and spilling some pee on my hand. Ironically, the only calm person was the schizo participant. It should call for a celebration but I’m too tired to move. I’m also stressing to get everything arranged for my trip to Oxford. Apparently, some funds have a closing date for June 1^st, which I didn’t know, so I’m trying to get everything arranged a top high speed. On top of that, I still haven’t heard back from the administration whether I’m registered for two courses (which I need to get all my ECTS to graduate). So I’m in desperate need of some distraction. Fortunately, my friend was available tonight, so we’re going to see the Great Gatsby! I’m soooo excited! I’ve been dying to see it since they postponed the release back in December. Anyone seen it yet? Wait, never mind, no spoilers please! Hope you have a fun weekend (or what’s left of it).

With love

Minute of silence

A not so happy post today. This morning Holland got the news that the two boys Ruben (9) en Julian (7) were found. The boys got missing after they were picked up by their farther on May the 7^th, who was later found dead after having committed suicide. After an intense two week search, the two boys were found yesterday afternoon, unfortunately no longer alive. My condolences go out to their mother and family, who must be going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. I hope they will be able to bury their children in peace, and get the answers to their questions. For them and all other victims of such acts, I’d like to give one minute of silence.  

Home sweet home

It’s been a week now since I got back from France, and unfortunately it already feels far away. Luckily, there was enough fun to distract me from this fleeting memory loss. Or maybe that is actually the reason why Le Vigan feels like it happened a month ago, instead of just one week. Anyway, yesterday I got some great news in the morning mail: my internship at Oxford has been approved by the board of examiners! I’m officially going to Oxford! :D Hooray! If the finances don’t get in the way, that is. I’m a little worried about raising funds, but my dad has assured me that I will be able to go even if I’m not able to get any grants or funds. Which is a real relieve, but doesn’t mean I’m not going to work my ass off to get as much money as possible (Oxford is a little more expensive than I thought… And I don’t want to borrow any money from my folks, I’ve leeched on them long enough ;) ). Another celebration later that night was for my good friend’s 22^nd birthday. She had a lovely stay-in party with lots and lots of food and friends (I got completely stuffed!), and my other good friend was kind enough to pick me up with her car so I wouldn’t have to ride (which really is only 15 minutes by bike, but I’m lazy, so bear with me). I love those girls to bits, and I’m so happy we’re celebrating our vacation together again this summer! Last year we went to London, but for this summer we wanted to seek out the heat, so we decided to go to Lisbon. We’ve had such a cold and wet winter, so we agreed we needed to go somewhere to soak in the sun. Although today wasn’t too bad. The first proper Spring day actually. Since its Pentecost/Whit Sunday (or whatever you call it in English, we Dutchies call in “Pinksteren”) there was a Pentecost/Whit Sunday fair nearby (I don’t think it has anything to do with the holiday, just a good excuse) with all kinds of food, clothes, plants, bags and home decoration stuff, which I went to with my parents (some quality time while we still can). And of course we didn’t go home empty handed! I got two paintings of horses in this sort of old, study-sketching-style for only 5 buck each! It totally reminded me of the work of Gerti Bierenbroodspot, who’s work I absolutely love (but can’t afford). So I just couldn’t let this bargain go by. By the way, if you don’t know who she is, check out her work at her website, you’ll love it. And then we came across another incredible bargain: a dubarry bag for half price! My dad fell in love with it even more than my mum and I did, which was hilarious. They ended up buying it for me, because they were so proud I’m going to Oxford. They’re such sweethearts, and I’m really really going to miss them when I’m in Oxford. And I know what you’re thinking “yeah, because of the presents”, but I am quite close with my parents. Being an only child, and especially since we don’t see our other relatives very often (we don’t get along too well, things happened…). So I like to cherish these moments, even if I’m not leaving until January. Family and friends is all that matters, right? So I’m happy to have spend time this weekend with both.

With love,

Willemijn

p.s. Maybe I'll post pictures of the paintings later...

p.p.s. Did you watch the Eurovision song contest 2013? I think Norway's Margaret Berger with "I Feed You My Love" should have won! Not Denmark... lame song. Our Anouk with "Birds" was also good, of course ;)

Excuse my French

If only that lovely week in France could have lasted a little longer… Don’t get me wrong, I love to be home in my own soft bed and have all my lovely clothes (my bag couldn’t zip because I packed it so full), but the weather is just awful back here! Everything is wet and rainy, whereas in Gourdon (the Lot, South-France)  the sun was shining constantly. I had such a lovely time there! We left on Sunday the 5th and came back yesterday evening. I was soooo looking forward to this break! Doing nothing and laze around. All we did was eat, sleep, drink wine (lots and lots of wine!) and visit the occasional village such as Sarlat and Rocamadour. If you’ve never been to the South of France, you should! Sure, it was a long 10 hours drive, but more than worth it! The hills, the green forests, and the wine, oh my god the wine! C’est maginfique! And plenty of sunshine. If even we did have the occasional cloud, the sun was so strong there. Forgot to sunscreen this little spot on my hand and nearly got myself a sunburn!  But best of all was the company, which we shared with two of our old friends (mother and her daughter) who invited us to stay a week. Together with another daughter they bought this piece of land on a hill with a bungalow and two ruins, and restored it (by hand!) into three lovely French homes. They’ve done this over a time span of eleven years, driving back and forth from Holland to France to bring materials and antique furniture to restore the place to its former glory. To me it really is one of the most wonderful places on earth. Only one little problem: the French nature. To be more specific, a bug called  the “French spider centipede”. I get shivers down my spine just thinking of it. For your amusement I’ve included a picture of this vile creature at the end of this post. It is the most disgusting, leggy, fast moving bug….. ever! And apparently they just happened to nest in our little French cottage, which meant a hunt every night before bedtime. One nearly ran into my bag, merde! Please excuse my French. I was very close to put polyurethane foam in every nook and cranny of that place *shudder*. Besides that, I also saw a woodpecker ( a first for me!) and two humping owls. Nature is really wild in France. Now for some photos:

Our sweet French cottage

The neighbors dog Coca that would visit us

The city Rocamadour

And last but definitely least, The Bug

You need to zoom in for the full effect. I was too scared to dare get any closer. Just imagine he is the size of your finger... *shudder*. Apperently it's called the "Scutigera coleoptrata"... Don't google it, trust me.

Spring vacation!

I feel like jumping in the air! My spring vacation has finally started! Well actually, it started around 3.30 (when I left the hospital) but hey, I deserve to leave a little early with all the hard work I’ve been doing lately. And besides, my fellow interns promised they wouldn’t tell I left early,  just in case anyone asked. Not that there’s anyone around, the whole department is deserted. With spring break and the nice weather we’ve been having you can’t expect people to stick around.  And besides, they can’t tell on me, it’s not like they were being productive. One was playing Pokémon on his mobile phone (I was getting a bit nostalgic) and the other was sleeping on her desk. The amazing world of scientific research. I think it’s because of the Coronation day (people are still buzzing with excitement) and the promise of lots of sunshine (you better be right Mister weather guy!) makes it impossible to focus on work. That, and maybe the air-tight concealment of three people and three roaring computers in a 3 by 3 office space (meters that is). It kinda takes your breath away. But now they’re down to two, so that leaves them with enough air until lunch… But who cares, its vacation time! And to kick start it off, me and my two friends are going to clear the Primark tomorrow. The alarm is set and ready for us to board the 9:53, and then hopefully we will be able to beat the stiletto mob. I’ll get back to you on that one ;)

With love,

Willemijn

p.s. The coronation was a-ma-zing! A beautiful hint of emotion in Beatrix’s eyes when the Wilhelmus played after the abdication, and of course the happy waving of Willem-Alexander, Máxima and their offspring on the balcony. So sweet! And if you haven’t seen Máxima’s dresses I command you to google them now! Right now! Both designed by the Dutch designer Jan Taminiau, and absolutely stunning (especially the one in regal blue for the ceremony). It truly was a special once-in-a-life-time Queens day! And the funniest joke in the newspaper the next morning: unemployment in the Netherlands has become so high, 16 million people are now celebrating the new job of one single man. Touché :P